Strictly Come Dancing’s head judge Shirley Ballas says she ‘would be honoured’ to return next year as bosses prep new contract

Sources at the BBC have told The Sun that the Latin dancing legend will be offered a new contract next month - and Shirley says it would be an 'honour' to return

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By Dan Wootton, Associate Editor

15th December 2017,6:45 am

Updated: 15th December 2017,8:39 pm

STRICTLY Come Dancing’s new superstar Shirley Ballas has revealed all about her controversial first year – and says it will be an “honour” to return.

Top-level sources at the BBC have told The Sun that the Queen of Latin dance legend turned head judge on the BBC megahit will be offered a new contract next month after weeks of speculation about her future.

Shirley, who used to teach and socialise with Brendan, says: “He’s confrontational. Every other professional was extremely respectful, very well-mannered, ‘How are you Mrs Ballas? You’re doing a good job’.

“I was quite surprised. I got my feelings hurt because when he was with Camilla (Dallerup) all those years ago they came to our home, had dinner. But again, in my industry I’m used to that. He’s going on chat shows saying I’m her equal and this, that and the other. I don’t need to put somebody else down to build myself up.”

Brendan now refuses to talk to Shirley backstage. But she would accept his apology, should he swallow his pride. Shirley says: “If he comes in my direction and he’s gracious and courteous . . . but I’m not going to run after him.”

By contrast, Anton du Beke, who also auditioned unsuccessfully to replace Len, has been the “epitome of a perfect gentleman”. Shirley says: “Everything he does, he does with the utmost respect.”

She says: “When I first met Darcey we just clicked. She has lots of stories to share, I have lots of stories to share.

“She’s funny, I’m funny, and it just works like this. In fact, there was never one time I felt uncomfortable in her company. I see her coming down the corridor — her long, gorgeous legs — and my little legs are running towards her. She’s just stunning.”

Despite that close relationship — and those with judges Craig Revel Horwood, who she describes as “a pussycat”, and Bruno Tonioli — it was announced yesterday that Shirley will not be joining them on the 2018 Strictly tour.

Yesterday it was announced that Shirley will be the only judge not to go on the Strictly tour

She admits: “I would have liked to have done the tour but it takes three judges with it and Darcey, Bruno and Craig all decided to do it, so they take precedence.

“They have been iconic on the show, earned their stripes, and I’m the newbie. So unfortunately it wasn’t in the cards for me to do the tour this time.”

Despite the snub, she speaks highly of her fellow judges.

She says: “It was my job to fit in with them, not theirs to fit in with me. They’ve been on the show a lot longer and I have absolute respect for them. Bruno I’ve known for 11 years, he’s an absolute ball, and Craig is gorgeous. They all made me welcome.”

Shirley was announced at Len’s replacement as head judge back in May after pleasing bosses at a secret screen test

“To begin with I was really kind to the mean people because I don’t know if they were having a bad day.

“Fortunately I was around quite a lot of positive people, like Tess (Daly) and Claudia (Winkleman) and everyone at the BBC. What I’ve learned is Twitter is only a bubble — take it with a pinch of salt.”

What Shirley will never be able to get her head around is her ex-husband and former dancer partner Corky Ballas, 56, the father of her beloved dancer son Mark, giving a brutal interview spilling intimate details about their marriage.

She says with a grimace: “I was shocked because we’ve had a great relationship. I didn’t respond because I care for him. He’s Mark’s dad. I just feel sad, really. But I’m a very forgiving person so one will just move on.”

Shirley also received criticism from ex-husband and former dancing partner Corky Ballas after he gave a brutal interview

Single Shirley has been asked on a date since Strictly but is not looking for a new relationship. Referring to her beloved 80-year-old mum Audrey Rich, who sits in on our interview, she says with a giggle: “I’m not looking — but my mother is.

“I’ve been so busy, there hasn’t been time. But it’s been over two years now that I’ve been single. I do miss having a nice conversation and a cuddle.”

Shirley has now lost her power to send home the celeb dancers, with viewers deciding between finalists Alexandra Burke, Joe McFadden, Gemma Atkinson and Debbie McGee tomorrow night.